Are you living in a small space and need to make the most of every square foot?
Or maybe you want a simple-to-use (and pack away) temporary bed for when guests stay over.
If you don't have the space or budget for a traditional mattress and bed frame, what else can you do?
From waterbeds to hammocks and floor futons to loft beds, there are many affordable bed alternatives that are both safe and comfortable.
I've tried them all over the years (good and bad) which is why I created this guide to help you find cheap guest bed ideas or even more permanent solutions that will work for you.
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If you love hosting but lack the space for a dedicated guest room, a sofa bed could be the answer.
These ingenious pieces of furniture double as a comfy couch and transform into a bed when needed.
Many people used to consider these the 'worst of both worlds' and for a time that was probably fair. But these days it is no longer the case.
The standard of design and manufacturing has moved on. Some of the modern sustainable sleeper sofas I tested recently now offer exceptional comfort in both sofa and bed modes, making them a practical, stylish choice for modern living.
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Modern air mattresses are no longer just for camping. They're a convenient, space-saving solution for overnight guests or temporary bedding needs.
They can be deflated and stored compactly, freeing space when not used.
They're ideal if you have a mobile lifestyle (moving from house to house) or live in compact urban spaces.
Plus, with adjustable firmness levels, air mattresses cater to various comfort preferences, ensuring a good night's sleep for you or your guests.
I've had some issues in the past with cheap versions that aren't properly airtight and deflate overnight. Also, many are made from PVC which is awful for the environment and not good for your health either.
However, I did manage to find a selection of high-quality PVC-free air mattresses that solve both those problems. So if you've had a bad experience with an airbed before, you might like to give them a try.
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A day bed looks like a couch but has a mattress as the seating area.
They're perfect for studio apartments, guest rooms, or home offices.
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Bed rolls are a simple, portable bedding solution. They're similar to the thin mattresses I tested recently, but they're specifically designed to be rolled up and carried.
They're perfect for camping, road trips, RVs, or as a temporary bedding option.
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With its mattress and frame in one convenient folding system, a folding cot is a practical and portable alternative to a permanent bed.
It's excellent for guest rooms, small apartments, or homes where space is flexible.
Easy to set up and store, this folding bed solution gives you a comfortable sleep solution for guests without needing a dedicated sleeping area.
A good friend of mine used to swear by these. He had one that folded up and fitted into the trunk of his car, meaning he always had it with him whenever he needed to stay over.
There are plenty available on Amazon, but watch out for the mattresses - many are synthetic.
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Large floor cushions (or meditation cushions) can be arranged to create a temporary and cozy sleeping space suitable for lounging or as an overnight solution for guests who don't need much support.
They're a popular choice for casual sleepovers and family movie nights in the Miller house.
Be careful if you're a restless sleeper though. When you've pushed cushions together, I find they are prone to separating if you toss and turn a lot during the night, meaning you might wake up with at least part of your body on the floor.
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Yoga, exercise, or cushioned massage mats can provide a makeshift bed for camping, minimalist living, or temporary overnight stays.
This doesn't provide enough padding for me personally, but others who prefer a firmer surface might not mind too much. In any case, it's better than nothing in an emergency.
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Hammocks are suspended beds, usually made from canvas or netting. They're traditionally associated with leisure and outdoor relaxation but can also be a fantastic bed alternative.
Hammocks are great for spaces where traditional beds don't fit and for those who love a gentle rocking motion to lull them to sleep.
I love nothing more than relaxing in a hammock, day or night, and I happily sleep in them when available, especially when it's hot.
Mrs Miller, however, hates them. But that's because she can't get in properly, and often ends up falling on the floor! I'm told that this isn't funny - but it definitely is...
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Hanging beds bring a whimsical, floating feel to your bedroom.
They're suspended from the ceiling, often by ropes or chains, requiring sturdy ceiling support.
Hanging beds are suitable for adventurous individuals or couples. They may not be the best choice for families with young children or older adults with mobility issues.
You'll need to be confident in the strength of your ceiling and the quality of the fixings, depending on how adventurous you plan to get.
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These chairs unfold or convert into a single bed, perfect for small spaces or as an extra sleeping option.
Essentially they're just a basic version of a sofa bed, but smaller.
They're ideal for studio apartments, home offices, or dens, offering a cozy, relaxing spot or an impromptu guest bed.
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These innovative beds can be reconfigured, expanded, or minimized to suit your changing needs.
Modular systems are particularly great if you like to frequently rearrange your living spaces.
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Known for their unique support and comfort, waterbeds can be a therapeutic sleep solution. Some even come with features such as temperature controls.
However, it's important to note their maintenance needs and potential for higher energy usage due to heating elements.
If you're interested in a waterbed, please consider models made with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient heating systems to align with your sustainable living goals.
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Sofas and chaises, especially those designed with deeper seats or reclining features, offer a comfortable sleeping option for limited spaces or temporary needs.
They provide a dual function of seating and sleeping without occupying extra space. Just grab some pillows and a blanket and you're good to go.
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Larger recliner chairs can be a cozy alternative to a traditional bed for solo sleepers, particularly if you live in a small studio apartment.
With the ability to recline fully, they provide ample space and comfort for a restful night's sleep.
They're also potentially a good alternative option if you have difficulty getting in and out of conventional beds due to health issues like back pain.
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Combining an armchair with an ottoman creates a makeshift bed ideal for small spaces or as an emergency sleeping solution.
When pushed together, they can provide a comfortable length for resting, suitable for large children or adults.
This setup is also helpful in home offices or living rooms with limited space, where you need the ability to nap.
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Bunk beds usually stack two beds vertically. They make the most out of limited floor space and are particularly suited for families with multiple children.
An environmentally friendly bunk bed frame keeps kids safe from harmful emissions often associated with cheap mass-produced furniture.
They're also a popular solution for hostels where cost and optimal use of space are key priorities.
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Loft beds are raised beds, typically with a desk, seating, or storage space underneath. They're a fantastic space-saver for small apartments and children's rooms.
This type of bed best suits school-aged children and young adults. However, as with bunk beds, they require caution due to the height.
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A floor futon is a traditional Japanese bedding style - a foldable futon mattress that can be rolled out on the floor.
It's ideal for minimalistic living spaces and perfect if you want to embrace simplicity or need an easily storable bed.
I recommend using a tatami mat to allow your floor futon to breathe and keep it free of mold and mildew.
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If you like the idea of sleeping on a futon mattress but don't want to be down on the floor (if you have mobility issues, for example), you might be interested in a futon frame.
Typically made from sustainable materials like solid wood or recycled metal, they provide a foldable structure that allows the futon to transition between a sofa and a bed.
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Murphy beds fold up into a wall or cabinet.
They provide the comfort of a traditional bed while freeing up floor space when not in use.
This type of wall bed is ideal for small bedrooms, apartments, studios, or multipurpose rooms.
I was a bit unsure the first time I slept in one of these, as I had visions of it springing up in the night and trapping me against the wall.
I needn't have worried - it happens in cartoons, but not in real life. They're secure and (depending on the mattress used) can actually be very comfortable.
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Trundle beds are a fantastic space-saving solution. They have a second bed under the main frame, which slides out easily when needed and tucks away neatly after use.
A rollaway bed is perfect for guest rooms, kids' rooms, or any smaller space where an extra bed is occasionally needed.
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It's crucial to make clear that the bed alternatives discussed in this article are unsuitable for infants.
The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a severe concern. Infants require a safe, flat, firm sleep surface to reduce these risks.
The safest sleep solution for infants is a correctly assembled crib with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
When considering an organic bed alternative, you need to make sure you know what it's made from to make sure it's safe.
Whatever innovative bed alternative you choose, checking for trusted third-party certifications helps you confirm that it's safe for you, your family, and your guests.
Depending on which option you choose, you might want to check for the following:
There's no getting away from the fact that organic, eco-friendly, sustainable furniture can often be more expensive than mainstream traditional options.
Their investment value lies in durability and health benefits. Over time, the longevity and quality of organic products can offer a better return on investment.
Consider the long-term savings from reduced replacement needs and the potential health benefits of avoiding synthetic materials and toxic chemicals.
Creating your own organic bed is a rewarding way to embrace sustainability in your bedroom.
One approach is building a bed frame using reclaimed wood. This reduces waste and avoids the chemicals often found in commercial furniture.
For a DIY mattress, try to prioritize certified organic materials.
You could also try making pillows filled with organic buckwheat hulls or kapok fibers.
If you suffer from back pain, choosing options that offer support and comfort is essential. The mattresses mentioned in my back pain & pressure relief article would be an excellent place to start your search.
Placing a mattress directly on the floor can vary in safety and comfort. Click here to discover the nine pros & cons.
Yes, you can sleep without a traditional mattress. Alternatives like tatami mats, bed rolls, and hammocks can provide a place to sleep.
The key is to find a solution that supports your body and sleep needs. Ensuring proper alignment and comfort is essential to avoid any long-term health issues.
Choosing a bed alternative is all about balancing comfort and eco-friendliness across various living spaces and lifestyles.
From floor futons that free up precious space in small apartments to relaxing hammocks that gently rock you to sleep, you now have some great options to try out.
By looking out for eco-certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX, you can rest easy knowing that your alternative sleep solution is as non-toxic and sustainable as it is comfortable and space-saving.
What space-saving bed alternatives do you swear by to get the most out of less space? Drop me a line and let me know.
